Bill > H88

This bill aims to strengthen local food systems in Massachusetts. It does this by: 1. Requiring the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to develop plans to support agricultural, seafood, and processed food production in the state to mitigate the impacts of food supply chain disruptions. 2. Establishing a full-time food system coordinator position within the Massachusetts Food Policy Council to facilitate communication, collaboration, and coordination across state agencies on food system issues. 3. Creating a "circuit rider" program within the Department of Agricultural Resources to provide on-site guidance to farmers and other businesses regulated by the department about state programs, regulations, and funding opportunities. 4. Requiring the committee or any independent appraisal to determine the fair market value of agricultural land to include the appraised value of any easements and infrastructure on the entire parcel. 5. Authorizing the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to acquire land and waters to protect and conserve land for agricultural and horticultural use, and provide affordable and equitable access to those lands. 6. Establishing the "Next Generation Farmers Fund" to provide grants for workforce development training programs in agriculture and forestry. 7. Expanding the definition of "horticultural use" in the state's Farmland Assessment Act to include a broader range of agricultural activities.